Amit Shah praises NSA Ajit Doval, says he was PM Modi's first pick after taking office in 2014

Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday for playing a major role in reinforcing India’s foreign policy ambitions and highlighted that Doval has given his 'role and advice' behind every security decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"NSA Ajit Doval has played a great role in strengthening India's foreign policy. In every decision of PM Modi for national security, Doval has had a 'role and advice' in the background," Shah said.

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Shah, addressing a programme after the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to NSA Doval at Pune said that India has begun on the path of cultural nationalism envisioned by Tilak, asserting that there would be no reversal from that course.

The Home Minister stated that the first appointment by the Prime Minister after assuming office in 2014 was Ajit Doval as NSA.

Shah highlighted Doval's career in the Intelligence Bureau and said Modi’s leadership has transformed India into a strong and confident nation, in which Doval played a key role.

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The Home Minister said much of Doval's work can never be fully revealed because of the nature of intelligence operations.

"After becoming NSA in 2014, Doval helped implement many strategic ideas on the ground and played a major role in modernising India's armed forces, strengthening technology, enhancing operational capability and improving the country's defence preparedness," the Union Home Minister said.

The Modi government, according to Shah, has fundamentally changed the defensive and offensive capabilities of the Indian military over the past 12 years, wherein Doval’s contribution was significant.

The Home Minister praised "Swarajya is my birthright, and I shall have it," as he pointed out how the slogan paved a new way for India's freedom struggle and inspired generations of freedom fighters.

Shah stated the slogan enabled people to realise that self was their right and not anyone’s favour.

He said the freedom fighter’s life and teachings inspire the country's youth and remain relevant in nation-building.

"Tilak united people and connected them with the freedom movement through the public Ganesh festival. India is now moving firmly on the path of cultural nationalism laid down by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and no one can reverse that journey," Shah added.

Shah said Tilak’s ideas on nationalism, self-rule and social awakening continue to guide the nation and described him as one of the foremost architects of India's freedom movement.

The NSA, addressing the event, said he appreciated the award being named after Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and that he was accepting it with humility.